New Viewing Route Opens at Uji City Botanical Gardens

The annual "Hotaru Nighter," or firefly-viewing event, began on May 25 at the Uji City Botanical Gardens in Hirono-cho, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Although there are still few adult fireflies due to the temperature, garden officials are inviting people, saying, "We expect some 200 of them will glow at their peak in early June."

The Hotaru Nighter event was initiated in 2006 when the stream in the botanical gardens was stocked with the larvae of Genji Fireflies. In years when there was a shortfall, larvae were supplemented, and 200 fireflies were also released this April. To avoid overcrowding, a new 65-meter viewing route along the stream was opened.

On the night of May 23, about 15 fireflies were seen occasionally flying along the stream, and green lights were scattered on tree branches. Garden officials expect the number of fireflies to reach about 30 on May 25.

The event continues until June 16, except on Mondays. During the event, the regular operating hours until 5:00 p.m. have been extended to 9:30 p.m. The admission fee is discounted after 4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Uji City Botanical Gardens at 0774-39-9387.